Can a Dirty Air Filter Stop Your Furnace from Working?

A clogged furnace air filter will adversely affect airflow throughout the house and the HVAC system leading to heat exchanger damage. Learn how dirty air filters can stop your furnace from working properly.

Can a Dirty Air Filter Stop Your Furnace from Working?

During the winter months, your heating system keeps your home warm and cozy. But sometimes, problems with the boiler due to a dirty air filter can prevent it from generating enough heat when you need it most. A clogged furnace air filter will adversely affect airflow throughout the house and the HVAC system, leading to heat exchanger damage. The lack of fresh air in the oven will cause the heat exchanger to become too hot and deactivated.

The most significant damage a clogged air filter can cause to your home is the damage it causes to the boiler. As with your HVAC unit in summer, an oven that can't dissipate heat efficiently heats up more and more. Ovens have what is known as a limit switch, which will automatically turn off the oven when it reaches a specific temperature. Is your oven turning on but isn't blowing the heat as hard as usual? Dirty air filters are often to blame for an oven that works inefficiently.

This is because air filters trap dust, dirt and debris, such as hair, which over time can restrict or block vital air flow, overheating the heat exchanger and preventing the oven from working as it should. Change the boiler air filter and HVAC unit at least once every six months, or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Electrostatic air filters are good filters, but they charge faster than regular filters and make the fan work harder. However, neglecting your air filter can cause serious problems that can jeopardize your health and safety and cost you a lot of money to fix them. If your home uses another type of heating system, such as a boiler that uses water to heat the house, it won't have filters, but for a furnace or heat pump, a filter is a vital component. When an air filter is clogged, the air controller must do more to compensate for the airflow blockage.

If you don't feel comfortable or don't have time to do so, be sure to schedule regular maintenance service for your boiler and HVAC system, including the replacement of filters by a certified HVAC technician. Since filters aren't designed to work indefinitely, even if you have a filter in your oven, it could clog up if it hasn't been changed in a while. For additional protection, you can also use a UV light that will kill harmful viruses and bacteria within the air flow of the air controller. There are many different types of filters to choose from, and a professional can recommend one that works more efficiently and filters out certain details that others can't.I would also take pictures of the filter and call the duct cleaning company to inform them about its poor work. You mentioned that a clogged air filter can cause the air conditioner to stop cooling and the boiler to stop heating. To answer this question: yes, a dirty air filter can stop your furnace from working properly.

Dirty air filters are often to blame for an oven that works inefficiently because they trap dust, dirt and debris which over time can restrict or block vital air flow. Change your furnace air filter at least once every six months or according to manufacturer's instructions for optimal performance.

Fredrick Kimber
Fredrick Kimber

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